I hope you enjoy this new monthly e-letter. It has been designed to keep you better informed about Chamber news and events. It's also a way for us to engage those members who have an interest in being more involved.

By now I hope you've had the opportunity to attend some of our monthly social events. We've enjoyed getting to know you at our Sip & Savors, luncheons and other networking events. We look forward to hosting many more networking opportunities to help you build your business network in the months to come.

It's hard to believe that our new board has only been up and running since this past summer! I am very proud of our team and the accomplishments we've made in such a short amount of time. As President, it has been my mission to strengthen our chamber's foundation for future growth by creating and implementing new procedures and protocols to more effectively function as a “team.”

Over the past few months, we've reached out to you, our members, to better understand what you need and how we can help. Thank you for your feedback, support, and advice. As a result, we've added new programs including monthly networking opportunities, quarterly educational breakfasts, and luncheons.

Next year, your Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber has the honor of hosting the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce 'NGLCC' 2019 Business and Leadership Conference right here in Tampa Bay from August 13th to August 16th, 2019. We have an opportunity to show the LGBTQ chambers from around the world how the Tampa Region supports and promotes LGBTQ-inclusive businesses. But we need your help! We are looking for members to join our NGLCC planning subcommittees as well as our standing committees. If you are interested in getting involved, please email me and I can help to get you better engaged in the chamber and your community. If you have not yet become a member of our Chamber, please attend an upcoming event as a guest, visit our website, or email me your questions.

Also, mark your calendars now for our biggest party and fundraiser of the year, Diamonds in Diversity, which will be held on March 1st, 2019 at the Vinoy Renaissance - St. Petersburg. Visit www.diversitytampabay.org or Facebook to register.

Thank you to all our members. Without you, we wouldn't be where we are today. We are here to help you grow your businesses with other equality-minded professionals in the Tampa Bay Region . This holiday season, please remember to shop local and to support other equality-minded business. Our board members and volunteers hope you and your family (chosen or biological) have a wonderful holiday season.